I have a contemporary YA novel and am in need of beta readers (people in my target audience who can give me feedback). Here is the ideal reader:

1) female
2) 14-18 years old
3) is well-read in the contemporary YA genre
4) loves high school drama and romance (I mean, who doesn’t, am I right?)
5) open to reading something that is not 100% conservative (it’s NOT erotica or anything, promise!)

If you or someone you know (possibly a little sister?) fits this description, please comment below! I’ll email you with more details about the kind of feedback I’m looking for.

Thanks for the awesome suggestions! I also write fiction, so I’ll have to try that Charahub app! One of my WIP features a sprawling cast of characters through four generations, so that seems like it would be super helpful.

I also love your suggestion to dabble in different mediums. ...

Julia,

Thanks for the awesome suggestions! I also write fiction, so I’ll have to try that Charahub app! One of my WIP features a sprawling cast of characters through four generations, so that seems like it would be super helpful.

I also love your suggestion to dabble in different mediums. I’ve been sewing a massive, queen-sized quilt since last August and am finally reaching the end!

Lastly, I’ve found that in reading back my own work, this also includes journals! I read back my journal from my freshman year of college and could literally write it into a novel if I wanted to. My life was seemingly a soap opera back then, haha. (:

Any Etsy shop owners out there? While I wait to land a job, I'm starting up an Etsy shop to help me make a little money on the side. I'm going to sell thrift and vintage clothing. Any tips on how to get started and find success?

My hair’s been kinda mehhhh lately. Anyone have any shampoo/conditioner recommendations for curly, naturally dry hair? And maybe some sort of additional product that would help keep it moisturized throughout the day?

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The first two books I wrote were fan fiction! I received some complaints from readers that the second book (a sequel) showcased too much of the original characters I had created, and veered too far from the ‘fanfiction’ aspect. I don’t regret writing it the way I did, though, as I was still in...

The first two books I wrote were fan fiction! I received some complaints from readers that the second book (a sequel) showcased too much of the original characters I had created, and veered too far from the ‘fanfiction’ aspect. I don’t regret writing it the way I did, though, as I was still in high school and still learning how to develop characters and create a character arc. The second book was me coming into my own style.

Anyway, I agree with you fully. Fanfiction is a perfectly acceptable way of learning to write. Most people who write fanfiction, I think, are young writers still getting a feel for the art of writing.

Besides, Mary Sues are often successes in books (I’m looking at you, Twilight and Harry Potter). I’ve heard it said that Mary Sues allow the reader to project his or her personality onto the protagonist. Besides, the writer is just writing from what she knows, right? Even if Mary Sues are often idealized....

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